EP0059749B1 - Tastatur sowie deren herstellung - Google Patents
Tastatur sowie deren herstellung Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0059749B1 EP0059749B1 EP81902690A EP81902690A EP0059749B1 EP 0059749 B1 EP0059749 B1 EP 0059749B1 EP 81902690 A EP81902690 A EP 81902690A EP 81902690 A EP81902690 A EP 81902690A EP 0059749 B1 EP0059749 B1 EP 0059749B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- layer
- sheet
- keyboard
- dome
- switch
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
- H01H13/78—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by the contacts or the contact sites
- H01H13/80—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by the contacts or the contact sites characterised by the manner of cooperation of the contacts, e.g. with both contacts movable or with bounceless contacts
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
- H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2201/00—Contacts
- H01H2201/008—Both contacts movable
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2209/00—Layers
- H01H2209/014—Layers composed of different layers; Lubricant in between
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2215/00—Tactile feedback
- H01H2215/002—Longer travel
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2215/00—Tactile feedback
- H01H2215/004—Collapsible dome or bubble
- H01H2215/008—Part of substrate or membrane
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2217/00—Facilitation of operation; Human engineering
- H01H2217/02—After travel
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2221/00—Actuators
- H01H2221/036—Return force
- H01H2221/042—Foam
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2227/00—Dimensions; Characteristics
- H01H2227/002—Layer thickness
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2229/00—Manufacturing
- H01H2229/018—Testing
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2229/00—Manufacturing
- H01H2229/042—Snap coupling; Snap mounting
Definitions
- This invention relates to a keyboard and method of producing a keyboard.
- keyboards for these small computer systems must meet stringent operator entry performance requirements for alpha-numerics and must also enable the manufacturer thereof to provide many custom design features intended to provide a competitive advantage for the associated keyboards and systems. Consequently, a successful keyswitch or keyboard design must simultaneously meet the requirements of low- materials cost, good operator performance, durability, and low manufacturing costs for both standard and custom production runs. A keyswitch that meets these requirements would also be useful in small control panels or individual momentary closure switch modules.
- Document US-A-4,090,045 discloses a "flexible membrane" keyboard employing a resilient pad having apertures positioned at the key positions of the keyboard accommodating stationary contacts mounted on a base plate.
- a conductive screen material is mounted over the pad, and protective plastic films overlie the screen material. Depression by an operator's finger of the screen material at a key position above an aperture in the resilient pad causes the screen material to engage a stationary contact to actuate the key position.
- a disadvantage of this construction is that the switch makepoint during .actuation is located at the end of switch travel. The consequent lack of after travel shocks the operator's finger by preventing follow-through movements.
- Other disadvantages are those of difficulty in operation and a limited tactile response to key operation since a high actuation force is required which provides only a limited switch travel.
- Document US-A-4,068,369 discloses another "flexible membrane" keyboard having a dieelectric layer having apertures positioned at the key positions of the keyboard accommodating stationary contacts mounted on a base plate. Further stationary contacts are positioned above the dielectric layer around the peripheries of the apertures. A switch actuating electrically conductive disc is placed over each aperture with its outer margin engaging the associated further contact on top of the dielectric layer. The disc is resiliently deformable with a snap action to engage the contact on the base plate to actuate the key position.
- Such an arrangement has the advantage of providing a tactile response for the user by the snap action of the disc.
- the travel in the snap action of the disc is relatively short and hence the improvement in tactile response is limited.
- a disadvantage is that with continued use stress cracking of the disc may occur causing unreliable operation.
- Document US-A-4,194,097 discloses a membrane keyboard apparatus with tactile effect.
- the device includes a layer of dielectric material having a plurality of holes arranged in a pattern therein, said layer being sandwiched between two flexible, dielectric sheets, both having a plurality of dome-shaped areas which are aligned with said holes.
- the sides of the sheets facing said layer carry electrical contacts; consequently, when a dome-shaped area is moved into its associated hole, the electrical connection between the corresponding contacts is enabled.
- the present invention provides a keyboard including a first layer of dielectric material having a plurality of holes arranged in a pattern therein, a flexible, dielectric sheet having first and second sides and also having a plurality of dome-shaped areas therein with the convex sides of said dome-shaped areas being located on said second side and said dome-shaped areas being aligned with said holes in said layer so that said first side faces said layer; and a dielectric member having first and second sides with said first side facing said layer; said first sides of said sheet and said member having first and second electrode means arranged, respectively, thereon for completing an electrical connection when a said dome-shaped area is moved into its associated hole to enable said first electrode means to contact said second electrode means, characterized in that said first layer (28) is made of a resilient material.
- a dome-shaped area In order to actuate the keyboard, a dome-shaped area is moved into its associated hole to complete an electrical connection.
- the combination of movement of the dome-shaped area and the compression of the resilient material surrounding the associated hole provide an improved switch travel and increases the tactile response as compared with the prior art.
- a snap-action movement of the dome-shaped area reduces the force required for switch actuation.
- the invention provides a method of producing a keyboard comprising a first layer of dielectric resilient material having a plurality of holes arranged in a pattern therein, first and second flexible sheets, with said first sheet having designated areas covering associated said holes and with said first and second sheets having first and second electrode means thereon for completing an electrical connection when a said designated area is moved into its associated hole to enable said first electrode means to contact said second electrode means; a second layer of dielectric resilient material positioned adjacent to said first sheet and a third layer of dielectric resilient material positioned adjacent to said second sheet; said method characterized by the steps of: (a) determining the force desired to actuate said switch, the extent of travel of said switch, and the location of a makepoint (m) between _ the start and end of said travel whereby said electrical connection is made at said makepoint; (b) selecting the density of said first, second and third layers and said first and second sheets in accordance with said force desired to actuate said switch; and (c) selecting the thicknesses of said first, second and third
- first, second and third layers of resilient material By providing said first, second and third layers of resilient material and selecting their thickness and density, it is possible to produce a keyboard with a selected switch travel and selected tactile response, improved as compared with the prior art, and a switch actuation force decreased as compared with the prior art.
- Fig. 1 shows a typical utilization device such as a portion of a computer system 10 in which a keyboard, designated generally as 12 and made according to this invention, may be used.
- the keyboard 12 (Fig. 1), which represents a first embodiment of this invention, is shown in more detail in Figs. 2 and 3.
- the keyboard 12 includes a plurality of keys 14 (only a few are shown) which are arranged in a predetermined pattern or array and are slidably mounted in a guide plate 16.
- the plate 16 has a plurality of square, flanged openings 18 therein to slidably receive the square key stems 20.
- Each key stem 20 has an enlarged actuation area 22 on one end thereof which is positioned on one side of plate 16 and also has a ribbed area 24 located on the other end thereof.
- the ribbed area 24 is used to detachably secure an associated key cap 26 to the key stem 20 to provide a two- piece, key construction which facilitates the assembling of the keyboard 12.
- the keyboard 12 is comprised of a plurality of elements as shown in Figs. 2 and 3.
- the keyboard 12 includes a first layer 28 of dielectric, resilient material such as flexible foam which has a plurality of holes 30 therein which are arranged in the same pattern or array as are the keys 14, with one such hole 30 being located in alignment with an associated key 14.
- a first sheet 32 of flexible, dielectric material having first and second sides is then positioned above the first layer 28 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3.
- the sheet 32 has a plurality of dome-shaped areas 34 which are arranged in a predetermined pattern so as to be positioned over an associated hole 30 when the keyboard 12 is in the assembled relationship shown.
- the areas 34 are located on the second side of sheet 32 and conventional electrode means such as spaced, parallel conductors 36 (Fig. 2) are located on the first side of sheet 32 which faces the first layer 28.
- Each conductor 36 extends over a column of keys 14, as best seen in Fig. 2.
- the conductors 36 are flexible and are aligned with an associated column of dome-shaped areas 34.
- the keyboard 12 also includes a second sheet 38 of flexible, dielectric material which is positioned below the first layer 28 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3.
- the sheet 38 has first and second sides with the first side facing the layer 28 and also having electrode means thereon such as the spaced, parallel conductors 40 which are located on the first side thereof.
- the conductors 40 are flexible and are aligned with an associated row of dome-shaped areas 34.
- the electrical conductors 36 and 40 are connected to conventional keying circuitry 42 whose output is connected to a utilization device such as the computer system 10 shown in Fig. 1.
- the keyboard 12 also includes a second layer 46 of resilient, dielectric material such as flexible foam which is positioned between the second sheet 38 and a back plate 48.
- the back plate 48 is made of a rigid material which extends over the entire keyboard 12.
- the keyboard 12 includes a third layer 50 of resilient, dielectric material which may be a flat layer or one which has a plurality of concave areas or recesses 52 therein. When the keyboard 12 is in the assembled relationship shown in Fig. 3, for example, the recesses 52 (when present) are aligned with and are complementary to the dome-shaped areas 34 in the first sheet 32.
- the operation of the keyboard 12 is as follows.
- the actuation area 22 of the associated key 14 pushes against the third layer 50 which holds the key 14 in the "up” position shown in Fig. 3 and also provides some of the pre-travel of the key 14 prior to an electrical connection being made.
- the associated dome-shaped area 34 "snaps" to the position shown in dashed outline 34-1.
- the dome-shaped areas 34 provide the tactile feel or "snap action" just before the makepoint of the particular key 14 when the associated conductor 36 on the first sheet 32 contacts the associated conductor 40 on the second sheet 38.
- Fig. 4 shows a key 14 which has been depressed beyond the makepoint (where an electrical connection is made) and is shown in the aftertravel area.
- the layer 28 (Figs. 2 and 3) performs two other functions in addition to the function of increasing the life of first sheet 32 as discussed in the previous paragraph.
- the layer 28 increases the overall "travel" of the associated key 14 and the travel that occurs as the dome-shaped area 34 "snaps down” which is important in making the tactile feedback more noticeable to the operator.
- the second sheet 38 (Fig.2) has the conductors 40 thereon and provides the other electrical contacts (in conjunction with conductors 36) to complete an electrical circuit under a depressed key 14. Because the second sheet 38 is flexible, it permits switch aftertravel following an electrical circuit being completed. The second layer 46 limits the maximum force which can be applied to the flexible sheets 32 and 38 and thereby reduces wear in the keyboard 12.
- this invention enables the construction of membrane-key switches or keyboards which permit easy modification of the force, distance, and tactile properties thereof.
- "step changes" in force may be obtained by changing the foam densities of all the first, second and third layers 28, 46 and 50, respectively, or less than all of them.
- Adjustable pretravel and aftertravel may be effected by changing the thicknesses of the third layer 50 and the second layer 46, respectively or by removing them.
- An adjustable makepoint of the keyboard 12 (or travel of a key 14 before electrical contact is made) can be effected by changing the relative thicknesses of the layers 28, 46, and 50.
- the first, second and third layers 28, 46, and 50 are made of a flexible, low-density, foam such as silicone or urethane, for example.
- the first and second sheets 32 and 38 are made of Mylar R , polycarbonet, or conductive silicone rubber, for example.
- Fig. 5 shows a second embodiment of this invention which is designated generally as keyboard 56, with the same reference numerals in Fig. 5 being used for identical parts of elements in Figs. 1-3.
- the first sheet 32 (Fig. 5) is identical to sheet 32 shown in Fig. 2 and it has the electrodes 36 thereon.
- the second sheet 38 (Fig. 5) is identical to sheet 38 shown in Fig. 3 and it has the electrodes 40 thereon.
- the operation of the keyboard 56 (Fig. 5) is generally the same as keyboard 12 already described in Figs. 1-3, except that the second and third layers 46 and 50 shown in Figs. 2 and 3 have been eliminated.
- the associated dome-shaped area 34 is depressed and "snaps" to the position shown by dashed outline 34-1, and thereafter, continued depression of the key 14 towards the back plate 48 will effect the electrical connection between the associated electrode 36 on the first sheet 32 and the associated electrode 40 on the second sheet 38.
- Figs. 6A, 7A, 8A, and 9A show various "Force vs. Switch Travel" graphs for the switch embodiments shown in Figs.6, 7, 8, and 9, respectively. These figures are usefful in explaining the method of producing electrical switch arrays according to this invention.
- Fig. 6 is substantially identical to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3; consequently, the layers 28, 50, and 46 shown in Fig. 3, correspond to the layers 28-1, 50-1, and 46-1 shown in Fig. 6.
- Figs. 7-9 whenever the thicknesses of a layer changes, it is given a new dash number; for example the thickness of layer 50-1 in Fig. 6 is increased in Fig. 7, and it is therefore assigned the number 50-2.
- Layer 50-2 is the same as layer 50-1 except that layer 50-2 is thicker than layer 50-1.
- the "Force vs. Switch Travel" graph shown in Fig. 6A depicts the characteristics of the switch 12-1 shown in Fig. 6.
- the method of producing the switch arrays according to specific design parameters can best be understood by changing the dimensions, for example, of certain elements of the switches 12-1, 12-2, 12-3 and 12-4 and looking at the associated graphs in Figs. 6A, 7A, 8A and 9A, respectively.
- the method of producing switches according to this invention is basically to determine the force, makepoint, and switch travel characteristics desired, and to select the densities and thicknesses of the layers like 28-1 and the sheets like 32-1 used therein. This is a feature of this invention in that the operating characteristics thereof can be changed without tooling changes by the manufacturer.
- the term “FORCE” as shown in Fig. 6A refers to the force applied to the key 14 by a finger as shown in Fig. 6, for example.
- the term “SWITCH TRAVEL” refers to the total extent to which an associated key 14 travels when being depressed or actuated from the position shown in Fig. 6 to the position shown in Fig. 4.
- the term “MAKE” refers to the point in the switch travel at which an electrical connection is made by the electrical conductors 36 (Fig. 3) contacting the associated electrical conductors 40 for the associated key 14 as previously explained.
- the keyboard 12-1 in Fig. 6 is substantially the same as keyboard 12.
- Each of the layers 28-1, 46-1 and 50-1 is made of equal thickness and of the same density according to the parameters given earlier herein.
- the characteristics of the keyboard 12-1 (Fig. 6) are shown in the graph in Fig. 6A. Notice that when the layers 28-1, 46-1 and 50-1 of keyboard 12-1 are of the same thickness, the MAKE point of the keyboard 12-1 will occur about midway in the SWITCH TRAVEL.
- the keyboard 12-2 shown in Fig. 7 is identical to the keyboard 12-1 shown in Fig. 6 except for the fact that the thickness of layer 50-2 in keyboard 12-2 is changed to twice the thickness of layer 50-1 in keyboard 12-1. This change moves the MAKE point of switch 12-2 further along in the SWITCH TRAVEL as seen in Fig. 7A when compared to Fig. 6A. Also, the FORCE required to actuate a key 14 of keyboard 12-2 is greater than that associated with keyboard 12-1.
- the keyboard 12-3 shown in Fig. 8 is identical to the keyboard 12-1 shown in Fig. 6 except for the fact that the thickness of layer 46-2 in keyboard 12-3 is changed to twice the thickness of layer 46-1 in keyboard 12-1. This change moves the MAKE point of switch 12-3 relatively earlier in the total SWITCH TRAVEL as seen in Fig. 8A when compared to Fig. 6A.
- the keyboard 12-4 shown in Fig. 9 is identical to keyboard 12-1 shown in Fig. 6 except for the fact that the thickness of layer 28-2 in keyboard 12-4 is changed to twice the thickness of layer 28-1 in keyboard 12-1. This change widens the "hump" between points “a” and “c” in Fig. 9A (as shown by bracket 58) compared to the distance between points "a” and “c” in Fig. 6A. Also, the FORCE required to actuate a key 14 of the keyboard 12-4 is greater than that associated with keyboard 12-1.
- the portion of the graph between points "b" and "c” in Fig. 6A represents a dynamic situation in which an operator has depressed a key 14 with sufficient force or momentum so that as far as actuation of the associated switch (represented by a key 14) is concerned there is nothing that the operator can do to stop it and the SWITCH TRAVEL represented by the depression of a key 14 proceeds from point C to the MAKE point in Fig. 6A.
- the points a, b, and c shown in Fig. 6A are not shown in Figs. 7A and 8A; however, they are similarly located in Figs. 7A and 8A.
- This discussion with regard to points a, b, and c of Figs. 6A and 9A for example, relates to keyboards having dome-shaped areas 34 therein.
- the sheets 32-1 should be made of silicone rubber.
- a typical range of urethane material for use in the layers 28, 46, and 50, for example, as shown in Fig. 3, would be a range of 0.69 to 5.5 kN/m 2 which results from a testing procedure standardized by the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM-D1564 Method B).
- ASTM-D1564 Method B the testing procedure entails taking a 2.54 cm thick layer of the foam material, compressing an area of 322 square cm of the material by 25% (so that the thickness of the layer is reduced to 1.9 cm) and measuring the force necessary to compress the layer.
- Materials which show a force of 0.69 to 5.5 kN/m 2 in such a testing procedure may be used as a starting point for the types of switch embodiments shown herein; however, it is understood that the principles of this invention may be extended to more exotic switch applications.
Landscapes
- Push-Button Switches (AREA)
Claims (15)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AT81902690T ATE11465T1 (de) | 1980-09-17 | 1981-09-09 | Tastatur sowie deren herstellung. |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US187904 | 1980-09-17 | ||
US06/187,904 US4362911A (en) | 1980-09-17 | 1980-09-17 | Membrane keyboard switch assembly having selectable tactile properties |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0059749A1 EP0059749A1 (de) | 1982-09-15 |
EP0059749A4 EP0059749A4 (de) | 1983-02-09 |
EP0059749B1 true EP0059749B1 (de) | 1985-01-23 |
Family
ID=22690965
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP81902690A Expired EP0059749B1 (de) | 1980-09-17 | 1981-09-09 | Tastatur sowie deren herstellung |
Country Status (9)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US4362911A (de) |
EP (1) | EP0059749B1 (de) |
JP (1) | JPS57501455A (de) |
AU (1) | AU543973B2 (de) |
BE (1) | BE890371A (de) |
CA (1) | CA1173089A (de) |
DK (1) | DK217782A (de) |
WO (1) | WO1982001100A1 (de) |
ZA (1) | ZA816130B (de) |
Families Citing this family (39)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3140771C2 (de) * | 1981-10-14 | 1983-11-24 | Rudolf Schadow Gmbh, 1000 Berlin | Mehrfach-Flachschalter |
US4436970A (en) * | 1982-06-07 | 1984-03-13 | Methode Electronics, Inc. | Switch assemblies |
JPS59101724A (ja) * | 1982-11-30 | 1984-06-12 | 日本メクトロン株式会社 | キ−ボ−ドスイツチ |
GB8303679D0 (en) * | 1983-02-10 | 1983-03-16 | Gould Instr Ltd | Variable control device |
US4703139A (en) * | 1983-09-06 | 1987-10-27 | Kb Denver, Inc. | Method in a snap dome switch keyboard assembly for reducing contact bounce time |
US4626847A (en) * | 1983-12-27 | 1986-12-02 | Zenith Electronics Corporation | Remote control transmitter system |
US4489227A (en) * | 1984-01-11 | 1984-12-18 | Sheldahl, Inc. | Back lighted, full travel push button membrane keyboard |
US4546267A (en) * | 1984-01-11 | 1985-10-08 | Steven Urfirer | Modular equipment connection |
US4605828A (en) * | 1984-05-29 | 1986-08-12 | International Business Machines Corporation | Membrane keyboard switch mounting |
GB2183916B (en) * | 1985-11-13 | 1990-02-07 | Devlin Electronics Limited | Improvements relating to telephone keypads |
US4920241A (en) * | 1985-12-23 | 1990-04-24 | Miller Edge, Inc. | High sensitivity door edge switch |
US4661664A (en) * | 1985-12-23 | 1987-04-28 | Miller Norman K | High sensitivity mat switch |
FR2614424B1 (fr) * | 1987-04-24 | 1992-03-06 | Sanofi Sa | Immunodiagnostic des parasitoses dues a un protozoaire chez les mollusques |
US4828361A (en) * | 1987-08-26 | 1989-05-09 | Siegel-Robert, Inc. | Semi-automatic rear view mirror assembly |
JPH01279521A (ja) * | 1988-04-28 | 1989-11-09 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | 押釦装置 |
JPH0320830U (de) * | 1989-07-12 | 1991-02-28 | ||
US4954673A (en) * | 1989-07-21 | 1990-09-04 | Miller Edge, Inc. | Highly sensitive switch for actuation of a device upon force being applied thereto |
US5032695A (en) * | 1990-04-26 | 1991-07-16 | Alps Electric (Usa), Inc. | Membrane switch with movable and fixed flap contacts mounted on a common dielectric substrate |
US5027552A (en) * | 1990-08-16 | 1991-07-02 | Miller Edge, Inc. | Redundant sensing edge for a door for detecting an object in proximity to the door edge |
US5066835A (en) * | 1990-09-19 | 1991-11-19 | Miller Edge, Inc. | Sensing edge |
US5089672A (en) * | 1990-09-19 | 1992-02-18 | Miller Edge, Inc. | Flexible electrically conductive contact for a switch which is actuated upon force being applied thereto |
US5148911A (en) * | 1991-10-31 | 1992-09-22 | Miller Edge, Inc. | Sensing edge switch |
US5374796A (en) * | 1991-11-27 | 1994-12-20 | Picker International, Inc. | Contact sensor with improved sensitivity |
FR2755534B1 (fr) * | 1996-11-06 | 1998-12-11 | Apem | Element formant bouton-poussoir electrique |
US6781077B2 (en) | 2000-12-14 | 2004-08-24 | Think Outside, Inc. | Keyswitch and actuator structure |
US6999009B2 (en) * | 2001-08-31 | 2006-02-14 | Logitech Europe S.A. | Sensing keys for keyboard |
FI112415B (fi) * | 2001-11-28 | 2003-11-28 | Nokia Oyj | Pietsosähköinen käyttöliittymä |
EP1429355A1 (de) * | 2002-12-09 | 2004-06-16 | IEE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING S.A. | Folienartiges Schaltelement |
EP1429357A1 (de) * | 2002-12-09 | 2004-06-16 | IEE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING S.A. | Folientastatur mit mehrlagigen Einzelfolien |
EP1429356A1 (de) * | 2002-12-09 | 2004-06-16 | IEE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING S.A. | Folienartiges Schaltelement mit dielektrischem Schicht |
LU91130B1 (en) * | 2005-01-26 | 2006-07-27 | Iee Sarl | Pressure sensitive element and seat sensor |
FR2937789B1 (fr) | 2008-10-28 | 2010-12-31 | Thales Sa | Clavier a longue course de touches et a sensation tactile amelioree |
DE102010012969A1 (de) * | 2010-03-25 | 2011-09-29 | Constin Gmbh | Mechanische Tastatur mit Touchpad-Funktionen |
US9472360B2 (en) * | 2013-09-27 | 2016-10-18 | Apple Inc. | Curable foam shims for buttons of electronic devices |
WO2017123943A1 (en) | 2016-01-13 | 2017-07-20 | Miller Edge, Inc. | Combination contact and non-contact sensing edge |
US10466804B2 (en) * | 2017-01-12 | 2019-11-05 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc | Composite unibody keyboard |
US12056994B2 (en) | 2020-07-15 | 2024-08-06 | Xerox Corporation | Systems and methods for improved object placement sensing for point-of-purchase sales |
US11367581B1 (en) * | 2021-04-13 | 2022-06-21 | Xerox Corporation | Membrane switches configured to sense pressure applied from compliant and rigid objects |
US12009159B2 (en) | 2021-04-13 | 2024-06-11 | Xerox Corporation | Membrane switches configured to sense pressure applied from compliant and rigid objects |
Family Cites Families (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3308253A (en) * | 1965-03-25 | 1967-03-07 | Ibm | Diaphragm switch having a diaphragm supported on an incompressible layer and an elastomer overlaying the diaphragm |
US3617666A (en) * | 1970-04-30 | 1971-11-02 | Data Appliance Corp | Pressure-operated layered electrical switch and switch array |
US3745287A (en) * | 1971-10-01 | 1973-07-10 | Addmaster Corp | Key operated switch with depressible bridging contact layer of matted unwoven electrically conductive fibers |
US3723673A (en) * | 1971-10-13 | 1973-03-27 | Addmaster Corp | Keyboard switch assembly with wire conductor matrix contact array |
US3860771A (en) * | 1973-10-29 | 1975-01-14 | Chomerics Inc | Keyboard switch assembly with dome shaped actuator having associated underlying contactor means |
US3996427A (en) * | 1975-01-10 | 1976-12-07 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Pushbutton keyboard system and method of making same |
US3996428A (en) * | 1975-03-17 | 1976-12-07 | Litronix, Inc. | Pushbutton keyboard assembly with over center diaphragm contact |
US4017848A (en) * | 1975-05-19 | 1977-04-12 | Rockwell International Corporation | Transparent keyboard switch and array |
US4090045A (en) * | 1975-12-15 | 1978-05-16 | Marsh Products, Inc. | Keyboard strip switch assembly having multifurcated conductive screen contact with contact cleaning wiping-action |
US4190748A (en) * | 1977-01-31 | 1980-02-26 | Rogers Corporation | Keyboard switch assembly |
US4137116A (en) * | 1977-04-22 | 1979-01-30 | Miller Brothers | Method of making a pressure switch |
US4172216A (en) * | 1978-05-19 | 1979-10-23 | Sprague Electric Company | Pressure sensitive switch |
US4194097A (en) * | 1978-06-12 | 1980-03-18 | Ncr Corporation | Membrane keyboard apparatus with tactile feedback |
US4246452A (en) * | 1979-01-05 | 1981-01-20 | Mattel, Inc. | Switch apparatus |
DE2902769C2 (de) * | 1979-01-25 | 1982-12-09 | Rudolf Schadow Gmbh, 1000 Berlin | Drucktastenschalter |
-
1980
- 1980-09-17 US US06/187,904 patent/US4362911A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1981
- 1981-09-03 ZA ZA816130A patent/ZA816130B/xx unknown
- 1981-09-09 JP JP56503154A patent/JPS57501455A/ja active Pending
- 1981-09-09 AU AU76421/81A patent/AU543973B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1981-09-09 EP EP81902690A patent/EP0059749B1/de not_active Expired
- 1981-09-09 WO PCT/US1981/001214 patent/WO1982001100A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1981-09-14 CA CA000385766A patent/CA1173089A/en not_active Expired
- 1981-09-16 BE BE0/205973A patent/BE890371A/fr not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1982
- 1982-05-14 DK DK217782A patent/DK217782A/da not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DK217782A (da) | 1982-05-14 |
JPS57501455A (de) | 1982-08-12 |
BE890371A (fr) | 1982-01-18 |
EP0059749A4 (de) | 1983-02-09 |
WO1982001100A1 (en) | 1982-04-01 |
CA1173089A (en) | 1984-08-21 |
US4362911A (en) | 1982-12-07 |
ZA816130B (en) | 1982-09-29 |
EP0059749A1 (de) | 1982-09-15 |
AU7642181A (en) | 1982-04-14 |
AU543973B2 (en) | 1985-05-09 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP0059749B1 (de) | Tastatur sowie deren herstellung | |
CA1154810A (en) | Tactile element and keyboard including the tactile element | |
US4190748A (en) | Keyboard switch assembly | |
US4423294A (en) | Laminate switch assembly having improved durability | |
US4323740A (en) | Keyboard actuator device and keyboard incorporating the device | |
US4245138A (en) | Tactile element and keyboard including the tactile element | |
US4128744A (en) | Keyboard with concave and convex domes | |
US4598181A (en) | Laminate switch assembly having improved tactile feel and improved reliability of operation | |
US4463234A (en) | Tactile feel membrane switch assembly | |
JPS598266Y2 (ja) | 選択的に駆動可能なキ−ボ−ド装置 | |
EP0540662B1 (de) | Ausrichtzusammenbau für integrierten drucktastenschalter | |
US4703139A (en) | Method in a snap dome switch keyboard assembly for reducing contact bounce time | |
US4500758A (en) | Keyboard switch assembly having sensory feedback | |
US3969600A (en) | Tactile feedback keyboard switch assembly and actuator | |
US4701579A (en) | Data entry keyboard | |
GB2065372A (en) | Electric switches and keyboard | |
JPS593824A (ja) | パネルキ−ボ−ド | |
GB2117567A (en) | Monolithic flat tactile keyboard | |
US4129758A (en) | Keyboard switch assembly having flexible contact carrying member between contact carrying substrate and flexible, resilient, key-depressible bubble protrusions | |
US4736076A (en) | Capacitance switching device for keyboard | |
US6621017B2 (en) | Push-button switch and multiple switch using the same | |
US4515999A (en) | Full travel keyboard | |
US4472609A (en) | Multiple flat-type switch | |
JPS5858771B2 (ja) | マルチコンタクト・プツシユボタンスイツチ | |
USRE29440E (en) | Calculator keyboard switch with disc spring contact and printed circuit board |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Designated state(s): AT CH DE FR GB NL |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 19820913 |
|
DET | De: translation of patent claims | ||
TCAT | At: translation of patent claims filed | ||
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Designated state(s): AT CH DE FR GB LI NL |
|
REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 11465 Country of ref document: AT Date of ref document: 19850215 Kind code of ref document: T |
|
REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 3168500 Country of ref document: DE Date of ref document: 19850307 |
|
ET | Fr: translation filed | ||
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
26N | No opposition filed | ||
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AT Payment date: 19860903 Year of fee payment: 6 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Payment date: 19870930 Year of fee payment: 7 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Effective date: 19880909 Ref country code: AT Effective date: 19880909 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LI Effective date: 19880930 Ref country code: CH Effective date: 19880930 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Effective date: 19890401 |
|
NLV4 | Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee | ||
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 19890531 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee | ||
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Effective date: 19890601 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: ST |